An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 August 23, 2022collegiatetimes.com WELCOME BACK, HOKIES. ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES
PAGE 2 August 23, 2022 editor@collegiatetimes.comcollegiatetimes.com Voice your opinion. Send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, Letters,opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com24061commentariesandeditorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managingAlleditors.letters must include a name and phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. Other submissions must include city of residence and relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Editor-in-Chief:NEWSROOM231-9865 Momiji PhotoOpinionsSportsLifestylesNewsCopyAssistantDesignManaging(editor@collegiatetimes.com)Barloweditor:ColleenHenneberryeditor:SydneyJohnsonDesigneditor:NanamiNishimotoeditor:EmilyBurcheditors:VictoriaWebereditors:OliviaFerrareeditors:AmberWilliams,MargaretAllocca,andColbyTalleyeditors:OliviaNelsoneditors:HamadAlhendiandAndrewRodgers Social media editors: Emily Logue (Twitter), Deanna Driver (Facebook)Have a news newstips@collegiatetimes.comtip? BUSINESS Business231-9860STAFFmanager: Charlie MEDIAMATE(business@collegemedia.com)Setash888-897-7711collegiatetimes.com/media_kit/orders@mymediamate.com
As for students, those living on campus this year are encouraged to take an at-home COVID-19 test 48-72 hours before moving in, and again the day of traveling to campus. In the event a student tests positive, they must notify the Housing Office and upload the positive test to the Schiffert Health Center health Additionally,portal.Virginia Tech will not provide quarantine housing for COVID-19 positive students, nor will they move COVID-19 positive students from their dorms. “... It is critical that all residential students work with their families and their roommate(s) to develop a plan in advance should they or their roommate become infected with COVID-19,” said the statement.Students who do test positive must isolate and not attend classes for five days, as well as get absence verification from the Dean of Students. Faculty are asked to accommodate students who must miss class due to a COVID-19 infection, similar to any illness.Virginia Tech still advocates for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, permits the use of face masks on campus and encourages those who are sick to remain home. Furthermore, Schiffert Health Center will continue to distribute at-home rapid tests to students.
NEWS VIRGINIA TECH ANNOUNCES FALL 2022 COVID-19 POLICIES VICTORIA WEBER | NEWS EDITOR
Students and staff will no longer receive certain accommodations as COVID-19 case numbers ease.
“Like the flu and other common viruses and illnesses, COVID-19 is now one illness among many that university employees and students manage on a regular basis,” said theAccordingmessage. to the letter, Virginia Tech will cease publishing its COVID-19 dashboard. “At-will testing” for staff will end Aug. 26, and employees will not need to contact reportacase@vt.edu or Environmental Health and Safety Case Managers in the event they test positive for COVID-19, or may have come in contact with an individual whoVirginiahas. Tech has also ended case management services for employees and students, and employees will be required to use sick or other forms of leave due to the Commonwealth of Virginia discontinuing Public Health Emergency Leave.
This semester will look different for returning students, as Virginia Tech has changed several of its policies put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
C OLLEGIAT E TIMES
In a message sent by Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke and Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer Chris Kiwus, the university reversed several of its guidelines.
The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The Collegiate Times is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to provide educational experience in business and production of mass media for Virginia Tech students. © Collegiate Times, 2020. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Collegiate Times. Read about our organization’s Core Values online at collegiatetimes.com.
“We have come a long way in under standing how to manage a pandemic and how to care for the community,” said the message. “We are grateful for all the support and acceptance of the reality of the impact of COVID-19 on our campus. We are looking forward to a great semester.”
@COLLEGIATETIMES Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Large social gatherings require a permit to be requested 30 days before the event. Smaller gatherings can be registered at least 2 days prior to the event. If an outdoor gathering has over 200 attendees, and is using amplified sound equipment with no permit, the event will be shut down by the Blacksburg police department. The method of obtaining the permit is still being decided on by the council.
The third influence that pushed this ordinance into action was the days mass gatherings would take place on. “It went from six times a year on football games to the night before and Wednesdays,” Hager-Smith said. “That particular neighborhood has just basically become party central all the time for any flimsy reason, so that also is difficult for the neighbors.”SamMatthews, a junior studying biological systems engineering, expressed frustration with the timing of the ordinance vote and the lack of student input on the issue.
“As a senior, I feel a little sad that some thing that’s been a tradition to me is no longer going to be a thing and I won’t be able to live that out one last time,” said Kayla Jones, a senior majoring in psychology. “I do feel that it’s (Center Street) being taken away and the acces sibility is going to be a lot harder to make happen now.”
Ally Hessenius | news writer Center Street events must follow new permit requirements, time restrictions and crowd size limits.
Due to concerns about student safety, noise levels and environment protection, there are new protocols for game day mass gatherings. On July 12, the Blacksburg Town Council met to approve Ordinance 1987, which will implement new rules to social gatherings on game days. Town code Section 13-106, which discusses permits for large outdoor gatherings, has also been amended and re-ordained under this ordinance.Theguidelines under Ordinance 1987 are as follows: people wishing to gather on Center Street must acquire a permit through the Blacksburg police department to use sound amplifying devices on the property, the use of amplified sound cannot occur before 10:30 a.m. or anytime after 10:00 p.m. on any day of the week, the gathering cannot exceed 200 attendees, and events meeting the 200 person limit must be registered with the Blacksburg police department.
@COLLEGIATETIMES ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES The Town of Blacksburg Municipal Building, Feb. 14, 2019.
“The activities on Center Street and in the Houston/Harrell neighborhood have generally been escalating over the years,” said Mayor of Blacksburg Leslie HagerSmith. “There are people there who have nothing to do with Virginia Tech, nothing to do with the student body.”
This game day tradition of gathering on Center Street started decades ago.
August 23, 2022 PAGE 3editor@collegiatetimes.com collegiatetimes.com
The town council is working alongside the Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock on creating an alternative space for students to gather in. Details on the gathering space have not been finalized yet, but the town is hoping to have the plan set during the fall semester. “We cherish our students,” HagerSmith said. “We want the best possible environment for them and for our town residents.”Forupdates on the ordinance and permit registration information as they arise, visit the Town of Blacksburg website.
The safety of students on Center Street was a focal point for the town council and their revision of the ordinance. HagerSmith also described two other reasons as to why the ordinance has been put into effect.“Another influence has been that there is a group of vocal and devoted citizens who are concerned about Stadium Woods,” Hager-Smith said. “Now they (students) misrepresent Stadium Woods as an old growth forest, and it’s not, but it is an admi rable, desirable greenway on campus.”
BLACKSBURG TOWN COUNCIL CREATES NEW GUIDELINES FOR GAME DAY GATHERINGS
“I thought holding all of the town council meetings on this matter during the summer, while students were away, shows a complete lack of respect for our (students’) opinions.”
“Students who are involved and connected feel a stronger sense of connection to the institution by being involved in (organizations) and are more likely to persist to graduation and graduate within five years,” Snowadzky said. “Being at Virginia Tech, you need the next step of ‘what is Virginia Tech for me’ not just ‘what is Virginia Tech as a whole.’ It kind of makes our very large campus community feel a little bit more manageable to connect with, too.”While extracurriculars help formulate friendships, they also provide a perfect excuse to try something new. College is a time to get outside comfort zones and embrace change. A great way for students to do so is to foster different interests and try an activity they may have never considered trying
“There is also really clear academic payoff for being involved in things outside of the classroom, so we know that students learn better when they are able to talk about their academics outside of the classroom (in a) more informal way,” Snowadzky said.
The Collegiate Times booth at Gobblerfest, Sept. 4, 2021. to academic performance, students who engage in extracurriculars and other hobbies may see results both inside and outside of the classroom. Therefore, it is important that students step away from their laptops, take a break from coursework and nurture other interests.
Students should find interests outside classes to get the most out of their time at Virginia Tech.
Extracurriculars and hobbies can help break up the monotony of college life and allow students to take a much needed break from classes. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia suggests that extracurricular activities have a positive benefit on mental health, resulting in lower levels of depression and anxiety. The same study also found that students who engage in extracurriculars exhibit higher levels of life satisfaction.
OLIVIA FERARRE / COLLEGIATE TIMES
“Most people coming to college are looking to gain skills so they can get a job after college, but engaging in interests beyond our academics can help us be a fully rounded holistic person,” Snowadzky said.It is no secret that college can be over whelming. As the semester begins, it can be easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of assignments, deadlines and exams. If a student devotes most of their time to classwork, it can be hard to find time to prioritize themselves. This is especially true for new students who have yet to expe rience the rigors of college coursework. However, what students must remember is that prioritizing one’s well being is just as important to success as schoolwork.
Mental health is integral to our quality of life — college students are no exception. Because mental health directly correlates “There are positive mental health benefits to being in an organization,” Snowadzky said. “There is research that shows not only is it helpful to have a social network so that people will be able to support you when you’re navigating hard things or celebrate you when you’re accomplishing things, but providing social support to people also has great benefits.”
EXTRACURRICULARSOPINIONSANDHOBBIES ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
Extracurriculars and hobbies are also a great way to meet new people. New students may be coming to campus with very few friends, if any. The same can be said of returning students. Following COVID-19 restrictions, returning students may not have had many opportunities to make friends during their previous years on campus. These students, who may be searching for ways to meet new people, should look no further than extracurric ulars. Clubs and student-run organiza tions provide a way for people to bond over shared interests and establish new friendships. Whether students are working together on an intramural soccer team or composing an arrangement with their acapella group, extracurriculars allow them to find a core group of friends over similar interests. These friendships can then be carried throughout college and help create a greater sense of community on campus.
August 23, 2022 PAGE 5editor@collegiatetimes.com collegiatetimes.com
Olivia Nelson | opinions editor
“Buildingbefore.a new skill with other people
Fall is a time for many new experiences as new students move to campus for the very first time. While it is a time for firsts, fall is also a time for fresh starts. As the new academic year begins, returning students have the opportunity to start the semester with a clean slate. Whether you are a new or returning student, the air is abuzz with new and exciting opportunities. It may be a time to reconsider study habits, commit to a workout schedule or simply plan how you’re going to get to class. Given that the fall semester is full of opportunities, students should take advantage of this time to consider finding other interests outside classes to get the most out of their college experience.MorgenSnowadzky, the interim asso ciate director for student organizations and administration at Virginia Tech, outlines some of the benefits of finding other interests outside of classes.
continued on page 6
“There are so many other ways for students to feel this sense of connection and contribution to campus. Some other examples beyond just our student orga nizations: a lot of our departments have leadership opportunities, thinking about orientation team members, thinking about becoming a college ambassador. A lot of those opportunities are great places to get involved and get connected to other people,” Snowazdky said. There is so much more to the college experience than academics. This semester, students should consider finding these other interests to fully immerse themselves in all college has to offer. With about 850 recognized student organizations, Virginia Tech is so unique in the amount of resources available to students who are looking to get involved in different clubs and activ ities. This year, Hokies can look forward to getting involved in the community with Gobblerfest and other events throughout the semester, such as GobblerFair and Hokie Shuffle. Regardless of what they may choose, extracurriculars and hobbies have so many benefits that students should take advantage of this year. The benefits can be seen in all aspects of life – not just academics.
However, some students may not wish to join a student organization, and there are plenty of other opportunities on campus for those still looking to get involved.
continued from page 5 @COLLEGIATETIMES BRANDON SPENCE / COLLEGIATE TIMES 2021 Gobblerfest, Sept. 4, 2021.
PAGE 6 August 23, 2022 editor@collegiatetimes.comcollegiatetimes.com who are also at different stages of learning can be something that anybody can get into,” Snowadzky said. When I was a freshman, I was interested in writing and was searching for ways to fuel that passion without committing to it as a major. I was passionate about increasing women’s participation in STEM and wanted to use my writing as a platform to highlight the issue. I had also never had my writing published before, so I decided to join the Collegiate Times. About a month later, I had my first piece featured on the website. It was intimidating trying some thing new and putting my writing out there for the public to read. However, it was one of the most rewarding experiences as I got to turn my passion about one subject into a position with the CT. This semester, students may find them selves in similar situations — wanting to try something new but fearing the unknown. Getting involved in extracurriculars can be scary, but is also incredibly worth while. Without realizing it, students may find a new interest that carries with them throughout life. It can become a safe space — a resource to turn to when life feels overwhelming.
Whether eating at a dining hall or cooking at home, a balanced diet is achievable with a little effort.
Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families is an organization that consists of collaborations between hundreds of businesses with the aim to target toxins and chemical policy. This orga nization provides insight and definitions to chemical“Phthalatestoxins.are a group of chemicals that are used to make plastics… they’re found in food — after migrating from food processing equipment and packaging,” the website stated. “This is concerning because exposure to phthalates is linked to a range of serious healthPhthalatesissues.”can be found in dairy products, meats, fish, oils & fats, baked goods, infant formula, processed foods and fast foods. This is a big concern to college students when fast foods are so easily and quickly acces sible through Grubhub and around campus.
STUDENTS MUST PRIORITIZE BOTH ON CAMPUS
For students who can’t or don’t want to cook in their dorms, there are still other ways to incorporate necessary nutrition into your diet. Omega-3 supplements are available at most grocery stores, and choosing vegetables as a side to a meal in dining halls is another step in the right direction.
Eating healthy can be done in multiple ways on campus. Some students may choose to cook homemade meals every other day, and some might meal prep at the start of the week. Meal planning for the week can be very beneficial for college students who wish to eat healthier but don’t want to spend hours every day in the kitchen. Dorms have acces sible kitchens, and all apartments off campus have kitchens, too. Starting this fall semester, Virginia Tech will provide microwaves and minifridges in each dorm room, which makes storing foods much easier for on-campus students. Grocery stores, such as Kroger and Food Lion, are just a short bus ride away from campus or nearby apartment complexes.
“I made a lot of homemade meals at Tech in the dorms last year,” Aycock said. “I found that pan-cooked chicken tends to be pretty easy, and there are a lot of ways to prep it. Fish is a little harder in general but not too bad, and pork chops are extremely easy. After that, you can always just toss some frozen veggies in the pan after you cook your protein, or sometimes even with your protein, and then just make sure you got a good high carb side.”
“Dining out more at restaurants, cafeterias and fast-food outlets may boost total levels of potentially health-harming chemicals called phthalates in the body, according to a study out today,” the article states. “Phthalates, a group of chemicals used in food packaging and processing materials, are known to disrupt hormones in humans and are linked to a long list of health problems.”
Elea Abisamra | opinions columnist
Buying healthier products from grocery stores may be more feasible for students without a dining plan, but for those who do
continued on page 8
Virginia Tech does a great job of providing compostable containers to stay away from plastic, but food items such as salads from Chick-fil-A and pasta from Pizza Hut are usually packaged in plastic containers. Grab and Gobble from West End, a popular option for students, also come in plastic containers.
Regularly eating out — which includes having dining halls as a main food source — can be very damaging to your health. An article published by George Washington University educates the public on the conse quences of eating out.
Therefore, no matter where you’re living this year — whether you’re an on-campus or off-campus student — it is important to go into college with the active mentality of eating mindfully. Fast food options are prac tically everywhere at Tech, but actively incor porating healthy meals into one’s day, such as vegetables in place of fries, is really important for overall student health. Students must exercise self control around unhealthy options at dining
August 23, 2022 PAGE 7editor@collegiatetimes.com collegiatetimes.com
“A balanced diet … provides the extra energy needed to cope with stressful events,” the article stated. “Early research suggests that certain foods like polyunsaturated fats including omega-3 fats and vegetables may help to regulate cortisol levels.”
Eatinghalls.healthier provides bodies with more energy and less stress, which is important because every college student experiences a good amount of stress between exams, projects and daily life. An article written by Harvard University offered insight into combating stress and becoming healthier.
In terms of dining hall options, Preston Aycock, a sophomore majoring in computer engineering, shared his personal experience while living on campus. “Dining halls did okay for providing healthy food, but I’d say they definitely offered more ‘unhealthy’ food than they did healthy foods,” Aycock said. “It’s very easy to have access to Chick-fil-A and stuff like that. There were healthy alternatives, but a lot of times they were more expensive which did suck,” Aycock said.Some healthy alternatives on campus may be more expensive. According to Grubhub, at the Wan restaurant in Owens Dining Hall, a “General Tso’s Chicken” purchase starts from $8.90, but their basic vegan option, “Vegan Tofu Stir-Fry,” starts from $10.05. At the Burger 37 restaurant in Squires Student Center’s dining hall, a standard potato bun is free, but for those who are gluten-intolerant, a gluten bun alternative is an extra $1.35. At the same restaurant, the healthier sweet potato fries are $3.85 in comparison to regular hand cut fries for $2.90. Aycock also provided insight on incorpo rating homemade meals into one’s week.
When first getting to college, it’s easy to get consumed by all of the dining halls and the accessibility of unhealthy foods that can be so addictive, like milkshakes from Chickfil-A, pizza or pasta from Pizza Hut or mozza rella sticks from DXpress. New students will have that excitement and urge to try every thing from all the dining halls and explore their different options. Returning students might crave the meals they had regularly last semester. However, all students should keep in mind the consequences of consistently eating fast food at the dining halls.
AND OFF
EATING HEALTHY
DORM SWEET DORM: HOW TO TAKE CHARGE OVER HOMESICKNESS
PAGE 8 August 23, 2022 editor@collegiatetimes.comcollegiatetimes.com continued from page 7 have one, it is important to note that there are healthy food alternatives at dining halls. Virginia Tech also has dietitians on campus to help those with food sensitivities.
Leave continued
Missing home is a normal part of the college experience, but resources are available to help students adjust. As incoming Hokies attempt to adjust to their new home this week, many first-year students will likely be experiencing a wide variety of emotions including fear, anxiety, excitement and loneliness. Living on your own for the first time in your life without the support of your parents and hometown friends can be challenging and a major adjustment for the new students arriving on campus. If this rings true for you, remember that you’re not alone, and this transition into college and dorm life should be approached with open-mindedness and patience. The great part about college and entering this new stage of life is that you start with a clean slate. You’ll be surrounded by thousands of people that are meeting you for the first time. To start on a positive note, read on to learn how to adjust and set yourself up for your first year in college. The first 24 hours in your dorm can be incredibly daunting, especially if you haven’t met anyone and are still dealing with saying goodbye to your loved ones. It’s important to not shut yourself in your room and wallow; the best thing you can do is distract yourself and enjoy your first days while you still have no homework and classes to worry about. Try knocking on other people’s doors and asking them if they want to explore campus with you or go to a dining hall together. on
page 9 @COLLEGIATETIMES
LIFESTYLES
The most important takeaway is that starting mindful eating habits early on is crucial for your overall health, energy and stress levels, and general lifestyle. Incorporating healthier food options at dining halls and keeping an open mind to homemade meals are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and can be a great help when trying to budget a meal plan.
Mirula Prasad | lifestyles staff writer
TOURIST IN TOWN: AN INTRODUCTION TO BLACKSBURG DINING
Anastasia EL-Bogdadi | lifestyles staff writer
Next Door Bake Shop Next Door Bake Shop is a Blacksburg favorite, offering a variety of coffees and pastries for that early morning caffeine craving and sweet tooth. It even offers a number of savory breakfast items. Located at 460 Turner St. NW #204, which is walking distance from campus, the locally-owned bakery offers a cozy atmosphere, friendly service and great food.
The Maroon Door
MAJORS ACROSS THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, NATIONAL SECURITY
Rue Hailu, a junior majoring in human nutrition, foods, and exercise and a resident advisor for Pritchard, also emphasizes the importance of putting yourself out there those first few weeks.
SEEKING & BRAZEN SEPT 20 COMMONWEALTH bit.ly/ADI-22 your door open so people can pop in. The first few days can be monumentally better if you find someone going through the same experience as you and stick together so that everything seems less intimidating. Remember to download the Hokies on Track app so you are informed on welcome events that are happening on campus. The app lists events for every day including orien tations, tours of McComas, bingo, movie night and other events to help you acclimate and meet people in your first few weeks. The beginning of the semester is a great time to make friends and learn about all of the oppor tunities available at Tech. Staying busy by attending events can also be a way to distract yourself from the homesickness those first couple of days.
BALLROOM
Waffles — something I’d highly recommend trying. Overall, this bistro never ceases to amaze the Blacksburg community.
Treat yourself at some of Blacksburg’s popular restaurants and cafes. Welcome to Blacksburg, and welcome back home, returning students. Move-in can be a long process, whether you’re moving into a dorm or moving into your off-campus apartment. Find ways to enjoy move-in time and say goodbye to family members with these top eateries while in Blacksburg. With perfect outdoor seating and locations, these restau rants will give you a taste for what Blacksburg has to offer.
“Put yourself out there your first week to solidify your friendships and get to know people on your floor,” Hailu said. “Make sure you’re going out of your comfort zone. It’s going to be uncomfortable, but it’ll pay off in theHomesicknessend.” may kick in, but it’s important to remember that you’re not the only one feeling this way. This is a major life change that you will eventually adjust to. Missing home is absolutely normal and can be managed. Hailu suggests staying in touch with family and distracting yourself to manage that feeling.“Ijust made sure I surrounded myself with people,” Hailu said. “And that kind of made me forget about my homesickness. Go meet people, hang out with people, even if you don’t know them well because no one really knows each other yet. And I talk to my family, like FaceTime, or text them.”
Hello Bagel This personal favorite of mine is a must-try for fellow bagel lovers. Hello Bagel is located on 1344 S Main St. Suite #2 and is the perfect way to start your morning. When I first moved to Blacksburg, this was one of the first places I tried, and it kept me coming back ever since. My personal favorite menu item is the Chipotle Bacon breakfast sandwich. If breakfast sand wiches are not your thing, they also offer options such as BLT’s and Italian sandwiches. Our Daily Bread Our Daily Bread is a bistro bakery and a classic spot to visit. With options for pastries, fresh bread, sandwiches, and a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner specials, Our Daily Bread offers something for everyone. It has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and is located on 1329 S Main St. One of their most popular breakfast items are the Mixed Berry
Zeppoli’s Italian Restaurant In the mood for excellent Italian food? Zeppoli’s Italian Restaurant on University City Boulevard is the place to go. This restaurant was the first place I ate at with family when moving into my dorm freshman year, so it definitely holds a special place in my heart. Zeppoli’s has Italian classics and creative menu items that are worth a taste. When visiting, try my family’s favorite, the Gnocchi Pollo Pomodoro. Macado’s Macado’s is a favorite that’s been around since 1978. Located on 922 University City Blvd, Macado’s offers every sandwich your stomach could desire. When moving to Virginia Tech, my mom (a Hokie alum) brought me to Macado’s and explained to me that when visiting Virginia Tech, it’s crucial to go at least once. See for yourself why it’s a town staple. Souvlaki Souvlaki, a stone’s throw from Squires
FOREIGN AFFAIRS, CYBER SECURITY, MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS, COMPUTER SCIENCE, SOFTWARE DESIGN SEPT 9 VIRTUAL -
The Maroon Door, located on 418 N Main St., is a spacious restaurant, bar and brewery that’s a Blacksburg staple. Within walking distance from campus, The Maroon Door offers a variety of unique menu items. I tried this restaurant recently with my family, and we were pleased with everything we ordered. With super friendly waiting staff and plenty of open seating for big families, I’d highly recommend visiting. In the mood for a deli cious burger? The Maroon Door is best known for their mouth-watering burger menu. I also recommend getting the chicken sandwich or wild mushroom burger.
August 23, 2022 PAGE 9editor@collegiatetimes.com collegiatetimes.com AEROSPACE, DEFENSE, & INTELLIGENCE CAREER FAIR NATIONAL SECURITY, MARINE, AVIATION, ENGINEERING
Student Center, is a Greek restaurant known for their delicious gyros and souvlaki sand wiches. Their friendly staff, good music and excellent food ranks Souvlaki high up on the places you must try when visiting Blacksburg. What I love most about Souvlaki is the authenticity of the food. It’s my favorite place to get a good gyro. The service is super quick and the food is incredible. While it has limited seating, it’s located right in the center of downtown and next to picnic tables on Draper Road. Souvlaki is great for food on the go for those busy move-in schedules. Sugar Magnolia Have a sweet tooth and looking for some thing to cool you down from the Blacksburg heat? Sugar Magnolia is Main Street’s answer. Located on 102 N Main St., Sugar Magnolia is an ice cream and gift shop. I’d say that Sugar Magnolia has the best ice cream in continued on page 10
continued from page 8 @COLLEGIATETIMES
Free, last-minute rush tickets are available for Virginia Tech students who sign up for text notifications. To sign up, text “arts” to 833-966-1838 Free rush seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Student tickets are only $10 for all performances. your arts fix at the Moss. from 9 Blacksburg area. What I love most about it is the gift boutique attached to the side of the shop, so you can shop for hand crafted, locally-made gifts while you enjoy your ice cream. Sugar Magnolia will not only satisfy your ice cream craving, but will leave you with a fondness for Blacksburg dining. Whether you’re new to the area or have been here for a few years already, these restaurants have everything to look for, with excellent locations, service, and of course, delicious food. They will keep you wanting more of what Blacksburg has to offer. TO STEP UP
These simple tips will help you navigate cooking on your own for the first time. You finally make it home after a long day of classes and you’re famished. You open up the fridge and see a bottle of ketchup, moldy rasp berries and your roommate’s oat milk creamer. There’s never anything good to eat. It’s not easy living off-campus for the first time. Not only do you have to get settled in your new living space and navigate the bus schedule, but you have to learn how to feed yourself and stay nourished when the dining halls aren’t a few steps away. Here’s how to always have something to eat when living off-campus without relying on takeout. The freezer is your friend Managing the expiration dates of all the food you have is a daunting task. Most students don’t have every meal planned days in advance. More times than I’d like to admit, I’ve been left with wilted veggies, moldy bread and rotten chicken. I was stuck with nothing to eat for dinner and had just wasted food by letting it go bad. Then, I discovered the benefits of a freezer. Fresh meat, veggies and bread are all appealing, but the truth is, the freezer keeps food at its original freshness. Frozen is the way to go when you don’t plan out every meal and don’t always go grocery shopping every week.
the
Learn the cooking basics The term ‘cooking’ can be used very loosely! You do not have to be Gordan Ramsay; YouTube videos are anyone’s friend in this case. It’s hard to be motivated to eat your own food if it doesn’t taste good. This may seem obvious, but buy spices. You’ll have them forever, and your food won’t be bland. My staples have been salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, paprika andAdditionally,oregano. if you eat meat, don’t be scared to use your hands to season or marinade it. I know raw meat can be intimidating, but just make sure to keep everything clean to avoid cross-contamination. When I make chicken, I typically rub on a bunch of seasoning and pan
Erica Kulback | lifestyles staff writer
page
YOUR MEALS WHEN LIVING OFF-CAMPUS
@COLLEGIATETIMES continued on page 11
WELCOMEHOKIES!BACK, Get
PAGE 10 August 23, 2022 editor@collegiatetimes.comcollegiatetimes.com FREE OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE Wednesday, September 7, 6 CIMAFUNKPM PERFORMANCES | EXHIBITIONS | EXPERIENCES artscenter.vt.edu FREE RUSH TICKETS
continued
One helpful tip is buying a pack of chicken and freezing each piece individually. This way, I can take a couple pieces out in the morning and it’ll be ready for me to cook for dinner. Freezing the breasts individually is key, so you’re not left with a big, frozen chunk of chicken. Foods I usually have on hand in the freezer include salmon, veggies, frozen burritos (Amy’s are the best), bread, turkey burgers, pizza and ice cream for those late-night cravings (Ben and Jerry’s Netflix and Chill’d is a winner).
WAYS
Welcome back, Hokies! Happy first week of classes and happy almost September, which means the first home football game is near in sight. In this home football heads-up, you’ll be informed of every home game time, date and color scheme effect so you can be better prepared.
November 5: Georgia Tech
Thankfully, we have a second night game that starts at 7:30 p.m. The downside is that it is on a Thursday, and most of us have Friday classes to attend. There is no color scheme, but it is safe to say blue and gold are off limits.
October 15: Miami University
August 23, 2022 PAGE 11editor@collegiatetimes.com collegiatetimes.com SPORTS LANE STADIUM GAMES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS MARGARET ALLOCCA | SPORTS EDITOR GET TO KNOW THE NEW GUY UNDER CENTER THOMAS BRAY | SPORTS STAFF WRITER Mark your calendars and get ready to start jumping for these upcoming home games. Virginia Tech has a new face at quarterback this season.
Players and fans cheer after Virginia Tech’s 17-10 win against UNC, Sept. 3, 2021.
The early bird gets the worm! This 11 a.m. game is a white effect for Military Appreciation Day. The day will begin very early by squeezing in a tailgate before the game starts, so make sure you eat the most important meal of the day.
Head Coach Brent Pry isn’t the only new face football fans should familiarize themselves with.Virginia Tech will begin the 2022 season with a new starting quarterback. Nine days before Virginia Tech’s bowl game, 2021 starter Braxton Burmeister entered the transfer portal. Nearly a dozen Hokie players, including him, missed the game either to enter the portal or to get prepared for the NFL Draft.
The time for the game hasn’t been announced yet, but the color coordination among the student body has, deeming it a maroon effect day. We can’t risk anyone wearing orange and mistaking us for Miami fans!
September 10: Boston College This 8 p.m. game is an orange effect, which means two things: you won’t be able to find any of your friends at Center Street if you get separated, and Lane Stadium is going to be a beautiful sea of orange to match the sunset illuminating Lane.
September 17: Wofford College
The timing of this game has yet to be announced and there is no color scheme. This might be the perfect game to break out your maroon and orange overalls with a beanie, of course, because this is the first game during the chilly month of November.
most for this football season. We won The Commonwealth Cup last year on UVA’s “grounds,” and this year, we are sure to reclaim the trophy on home turf. The time of the game hasn’t been announced, and there’s no color scheme. If you wear orange, make sure to pair it with maroon sear it. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll put the chicken in a marinade the night before. For cooking veggies, potatoes or anything frozen, an airfryer will be your best friend. It’s perfect for heating and crisping up frozen food quickly. Stock up on snacks and nonperishables Your snacks are going to go faster than you think. Make sure you have plenty of whatever you like to snack on, so you’re never left with an underwhelming pantry. I always have chips on the ready (chip clips are critical) and granola or protein bars (I like BelVita and Kind bars) to throw in my backpack for a quick snack on campus. I would also highly recommend getting a bunch of dry goods in the beginning of the semester so they’re there when you need them. For example, pasta, instant rice, oats, soups and canned veggies are all staples that can be whipped up quickly to create a sustainable meal. When you follow these simple steps, after a long day of classes, a quick and filling meal seems less intimidating. After getting home, grab some chips to hold you over, then season some chicken and put it in a pan with oil. Throw some frozen broccoli in the airfryer and instant rice in the microwave. Before you know it, you just had a yummy, healthy dinner and are enjoying some Ben and Jerry’s on the couch.
ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES
As a Hokie, Burmeister completed 56% of his throws for 2,647 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Burmeister also ran for 714 yards and 4 touchdowns while also scoring on a touchdown reception. The quarterback room for the Hokies will look drastically different in 2022. Connor Blumrick, who finished last season as the starter, has reportedly spent the offseason working with the tight ends. Despite alternating reps during spring practices, the Hokies will now likely turn to Marshall University transfer Grant Wells. Wells had a strong outing in the annual spring game. He threw for 178 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 26–10 victory. During his time at Marshall, Wells quickly experienced success. As a redshirt freshman, he started all 10 games and was the Conference USA Freshman of the Year. Wells also had eight 300-yard passing games as a member of the Thundering Herd, including a 433-yard perfor mance in 2021. The 6’2”, 203lb newcomer will don No. 6 when the Hokies open their season at Old Dominion. @COLLEGIATETIMES
continued from page
@COLLEGIATETIMES 10
November 26: University of Virginia This Thanksgiving weekend is the game I personally am looking forward to the
@COLLEGIATETIMES and not the other school’s color of navy blue. It’ll be fun — but freezing — so make sure to bundle up.
September 22: West Virginia University
continued on page 14
The Black Diamond Rivalry will be renewed in Blacksburg this season after the Mountaineers won a 27–21 nail-biter against the Hokies in Morgantown last season. Put simply, this team will be hard to beat.
Wofford - Home - Sept. 17 There isn’t much to say regarding the Hokies’ chances of losing this game. The Terriers went 1–10 last season and 0–8 within their conference, finishing the season on a 10 game losing streak. This game is as close to a guar anteed win as the Hokies will get all season.
Pittsburgh - Away - Oct. 8
It seems likely the Panthers will also regress this season, but their step back will be far less significant.Thelosses of QB Kenny Pickett, Biletnikoff
North Carolina - Away - Oct. 1
| SPORTS EDITOR
Boston College - Home - Sept. 10 This game being the Hokies’ home opener in addition to Pry’s first game as head coach means the home field advantage will most likely be strong, but that won’t make the task of beating the Eagles any less daunting on paper.Not only is the Eagles’ offense slated to be fairly potent behind quarterback Phil Jurkovec and wideout Zay Flowers, but their defense will boast the majority of a secondary that ranked third nationally in pass defense last season alongside a front seven that is projected to be good at stopping the run game.Given the Hokies’ offense, which will mostly consist of unproven talent this season, this will likely be their first loss of the season.
The Tar Heels look destined to take a step back this season. In addition to losing star quarterback Sam Howell to the pro draft, this squad must deal with a lack of receiver depth behind star wideout Josh Downs, replace three starters on an offensive line that already struggled in pass protection last season and hope that a talented yet inexperienced defensive line and secondary can transform into a formidable unit. This game should be close, but the Hokies seem like the favorites given their superior experience on defense and potential in the passing game that may be able to take advantage of some weak defensive back play from the home team.
Award-winning receiver Jordan Addison and offensive coordinator Mark Whipple will certainly sting, but the acquisition of USC transfer QB Kedon Slavis, veteran WR Jared Wayne stepping up to be the new face of the receiver core and the return of Frank Cignetti Jr. for his second stint as the Panthers’ offensive coordinator will ensure they don’t Courtesy of Hokie Sports
New offensive coordinator Graham Harrel is set to revamp the Mountaineers offensive scheme, Georgia transfer quarterback JT Daniels is projected to start alongside a strong receiver core and the defense boasts a fearsome defensive line led by defensive end Taijh Alston and defensive tackle Dante Stills. Their only true weakness is their inexpe rience at the defensive back positions, but that’s only if the Hokies’ unproven offense can take advantage. Signs point to this one going down as a loss.
The Virginia Tech Hokies are coming into this season looking very different from the year prior to say the least. A brand new coaching staff led by first-year head coach Brent Pry is set to try and elevate a program that’s been sputtering in past years. Plus, the team itself will consist of mostly new transfers to young players finally getting their chance to shine. Regardless, there’s an abundance of optimism within Hokie Nation regarding this team, and we’ll see how warranted that excitement is as we look at each of the Hokies’ upcoming games in 2022.
Old Dominion - Away - Sept. 2 Week one for a Power Five school is usually reserved for playing weaker competition, but this game is different. Not only do the Hokies have a troubling history of playing down to in-state competition, but the Monarchs defeated them in a 49–35 stunner back in 2018, the last time both teams met in Norfolk. This should go down as a season-opening win for the Hokies, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t end up being the prettiest.
Sports editor Colby Talley outlines the upcoming football season and his predictions.
COLBY TALLEY
August 23, 2022 PAGE 13editor@collegiatetimes.com collegiatetimes.com 2022 FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW
West Virginia - Home - Sept. 22
Duke - Away - Nov. 12
Georgia Tech - Home - Nov. 5
NC State - Away - Oct. 27
Similarly to ODU, superior depth and talent should help the Hokies to a win, but their lack luster play against in-state competition could always come back to rear its ugly head.
Miami - Home - Oct. 15
Pi Chi Sorority, Inc Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc Sigma Kappa Sorority Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity Congratulations to each of our organizations for opting to participate in the inaugural Standards of Excellence chapter certification program! This program measures chapter success in 6 key areas: Community Engagement, Chapter Support & Leadership Development, Maintaining Healthy Environments and Member Experiences, Administrative Excellence, Community Relations The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is pleased to announce the results of the 2021-2022 Standards of Excellence Program: Fraternities Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity Delta Chi Fraternity Delta Lambda Phi Fraternity Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity FarmHouse Fraternity Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity Lambda Phi Epsilon InternationalFraternity, Inc. La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity Sigma Nu Fraternity Sigma Phi Delta Fraternity Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity
This Hurricane squad comes into this season in a similar situation as last year’s North Carolina team. They have promising talent on both sides of the ball and a burgeoning star at quarterback in Trevor Van Dyke, but they’re missing a few of their star position players from last season. Time will tell how Van Dyke performs with a new cast of receivers around him, but the Hokies’ strong secondary could make life hard for him regardless. The game being played in Lane Stadium also helps the Hokies’ case for a big win, but the differences in talent for the both teams on paper will lead us to mark this as a loss for now.
Liberty - Away - Nov. 19
@COLLEGIATETIMES continued from page 13 editor@collegiatetimes.com For more information, please visit our website: fsl.vt.edu Platinum Chapters Gold Chapters Bronze Chapters Fraternities Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity Fraternities Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Kappa Alpha Order Sororities Alpha
Star QB Devin Leary, a strong veteran receiver core and the majority of a defense that ranked 14th in the nation in allowed points per game all return from last season’s Wolfpack team. Inject the usual raucous atmo sphere at Carter-Finley Stadium into the mix, and the Hokies will have their work cut out for them. A loss seems likely in this one.
PAGE 6 August 23, 2022 fall too far behind.
This game kickstarts what will arguably be the softest stretch of the Hokies’ season. The Yellow Jackets are coming into the year with a new offensive coordinator in Chip Long, uncertainty at just about every position on the offense after star running back Jahmyr Gibbs transferred to Alabama and a defense that was among the worst in the conference ranking last in both sacks and interceptions. This game will most likely be the big win the Hokies will need after the difficult gauntlet of opponents they will face in the middle of their schedule.
Add in the fact their defense is welcoming back six All-ACC selections to a unit that was one of the best in the conference last season and the chances of the Hokies riding home with an upset in tow seem unlikely.
Virginia - Home - Nov. 26 Alright, here’s the one I’m sure many of you skipped to the end of the article to see: the Commonwealth Clash. Much like the Hokies, the Wahoos will be entering the first year of the Tony Elliott era after the sudden resignation of their former head coach Bronco Mendenhall. The Wahoos’ passing attack, which ranked as the second best in the nation last season, is slated to be downright incen diary this season behind a healthy Brennan Armstrong at quarterback and a deep receiver core highlighted by Dontayvion Wicks and Billy Kemp IV. This team will be good this season, but it won’t be without its weaknesses. The Wahoos must find replacements for their entire starting offensive line from last season and new defensive coordinator John Rudzinski must find some solutions for a defense that had problems with giving up big plays. The Wahoos have the talent to beat the Hokies, but can they actually get it done? The results from 17 of the last 18 matchups between these two squads, several of which had the Wahoos sitting in this very same situation, would suggest the answer is no. It will most likely be a close game, but history compels us to give the win to the Hokies for the time Seasonbeing.Projection: 7–5 overall record, 4–4 ACC record, appearance in a bowl game. Chi Omega Fraternity Alpha Delta Pi Sorority Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc Sigma Kappa Sorority Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity Theta Chi Fraternity Triangle Fraternity Zeta Psi Fraternity Sororities Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. alpha Kappa Delta Phi International Sorority, Inc. Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority Alpha Phi Fraternity Chi Omega Fraternity Delta Delta Delta Fraternity Delta Gamma Fraternity Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity Kappa Delta Sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda
The Blue Devils, led by first-year head coach Mike Elko, don’t look any more formi dable than they did last year when they were a team that ranked last in the conference in scoring offense and defense. Furthermore, that stagnant offense doesn’t seem to be on the rise as they’ve lost several primary assets with running back Mataeo Durant leaving for the pro draft while quarterback Gunnar Holmberg and wideout Jake Bobo both left through the transfer portal. This squad’s only true strength appears to be its front seven led by defensive tackle Dewayne Carter and linebacker Shaka Heyward. Aside from that, there’s no other reason to see this as a game the Hokies should lose.
While this may be a very different team from the one that upset the Hokies in Lane Stadium back in 2020, they are not to be underesti mated. Transfer quarterback Charlie Brewer will take over for former Flames star Malik Willis and will inherit a deep receiver core and an offensive line that’s been revitalized through the transfer portal. The defense may also pose a threat as they’ve ranked 11th in the nation in total defense the past two seasons.
August 23, 2022 PAGE 15editor@collegiatetimes.com collegiatetimes.com CALLING SOCIALPHOTOGRAPHERSREPORTERSDESIGNERSASPIRINGALLHOKIES...EDITORSWRITERSMEDIAEXPERTS JOIN THE COLLEGIATE TIMES THIS FALL, REGARDLESS OF YOUR MAJOR OR JOURNALISM EXPERIENCE.
PAGE 16 August 23, 2022 collegiatetimes.com FORRESEARCHUNDERGRADUATEISEVERYONE.INCLUDINGYOU. about opportunities.research Students enrolled in research for credit are eligible to apply for the ICTAS undergraduate research fellowship. LEARNAPPLYMOREFORFUNDING
August 23, 2022 PAGE 17editor@collegiatetimes.com collegiatetimes.com ATTEND ONE (OR MORE) OF OUR SEVERAL FALL INTEREST MEETINGS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHO WE ARE, WHAT OUR MISSION IS AND WHY CT-ERS DO WHAT THEY DO. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | ISSUU Email editor@collegiatetimes.com if you’re interested in joining our independent, student-run organization that provides news to the Virginia Tech and New River Valley communities. We accept writers on a continuing basis and recruit all year.
PAGE 18 August 23, 2022 editor@collegiatetimes.comcollegiatetimes.com Take advantage of our exclusive COLLEGE DISCOUNT ™ PROUD SPONSOR OF CHRISTIANSBURG • 220 Laurel Street NE • (540) 381-4000 Open Everyday except Wednesdays Visit Us Online 24/7 at www.GrandHF.com *With student or school ID. Valid for college students and faculty only. Offer valid on one regular priced item. May not be combined with any Grand Coupon, Rebate, Discount, Sales Tax offer or Financing offer. Not redeemable for cash nor can it be applied to an account balance or prior purchase. Limit one discount per household. Cannot be applied to special orders, advertised Sale Prices, Room Groups, Multi-Room Packages and products from Hekman, Howard Miller, Ekornes Stressless, I Love Pillow, Serta iComfort, Beautyrest Black and Harmony Lux, Sealy Hybrid, Stearns & Foster, Tempur-Pedic, Nectar, AWARA, DreamCloud, and Level Sleep, Gascho, Caperton/Greenbrier Craftsman, Cozzia, Era Nouveau and Ultra Comfort. Excluded products subject to change without notice. Offer not valid at Outlet Stores or Clearance Departments. Discount offer valid through 12/31/22. Coupon Code: PERKS GOBBLERFEST DETAILS! The CT will be at GobblerFest on Sept. 2, 4-7 p.m. on the Drillfield! Come get a sticker, take a print paper, and talk to us about student journalism! Attend our interest meetings! Friday | Sept. 16, 2022 | 6-7 p.m. | Squires Student Center Room 236 Wednesday | Sept. 21, 2022 | 6-7 p.m. | Squires Student Center Room 236
can submit issues of concern and share their ideas.
pieces reflect the author’s personal opin
The lifestyles section reflects cur rent trends, and covers a variety of topics ranging from health, fash ion, food, reviews and places to visit. In recent months, the section has seen a letter of advice from a sophomore to freshmen, a review of Wallow’s most recent album and a feature story on a Virginia Tech professor naming a millipede species after Taylor Swift.
August 23, 2022 PAGE 19editor@collegiatetimes.com collegiatetimes.com LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CT SECTIONS! Find out more about each section and the contact information for their respective editors. COPY OPINIONSNEWS SPORTSLIFESTYLES DESIGN The news section covers any timely event occurring in the Virginia Tech community or sur rounding New River Valley area. This can include local legislation, elections, crime, campus events, official Virginia Tech announce ments, protests and more. COPY EDITOR: Emily Burch Email: comEditor@Collegiatetimes. OPINIONS EDITOR: Olivia Nelson Email tetimes.comopinionseditor@collegia: NEWS EDITOR: Victoria Weber Email times.comnewseditor@collegiate: LIFESTYLES EDITOR: Olivia Ferrare Email giatetimes.comlifestyleseditor@colle: SPORTS EDITORS: Amber Williams, Marga ret Allocca & Colby Talley Email: tetimes.comsportseditor@collegia DESIGN EDITOR: Sydney Johnson Email: comEditor@Collegiatetimes.
the
subject.
a
Collegiate Times graphic design ers use Adobe’s Creative Suite to create compelling page design for the print edition as well as graphics that appear in print and online. Graphic designers may assist in providing graphics or illustrations for social media as well.
Collegiate Times copy editors are responsible for editing all copy that appears in print and online. Copy editors check stories for grammar, spelling, style, clarity, accuracy and quality. They check the names, titles and addresses of persons referred to in stories and maintain strong knowledge of Collegiate Times style, Associated Press style, Freedom of Informa tion Act and state/federal libel laws.
community mem
The sports section is a good choice for those who love Virginia Tech spots or are looking to get experience in sports journalism. The section covers all official VT sports and conducts interviews with players and coaches. It is a great way to get into the action of Hokie sports while gaining valu able experience.
Letters to the Editor, in
can relate to current events, politics or more lighthearted top ics.
The opinions section is unique from others in that ions about particular This It also includes which bers
(540) 951-1340 AnytimeFitness.com 1480 S Main St, Blacksburg, VA Student Memberships Available
